Chavez headed to Cuba for treatment of cancer

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez delegated some of his duties to his vice president and another aide on Saturday as he prepared to return to Cuba for cancer treatment.

Chavez had refused opposition demands that he temporarily cede power to Vice President Elias Jaua while undergoing chemotherapy in Havana. But shortly after a legislative vote that approved Chavez's trip, he announced at a televised Cabinet meeting that the vice president and his planning minister would temporarily take on extra responsibilities.

Chavez said Jaua would temporarily oversee budget transfers to government ministries, presidential commissions, any expropriations of businesses, along with other budget-related responsibilities. He said Planning Minister Jorge Giordani would also take on additional duties temporarily including dealing with budget shortfalls and certain tax exemptions.

Chavez denied that he was in any way ceding his functions as president.

He has said he planned to travel to Cuba on Saturday and would return soon but has not specified how long he would be away. He said his decision to delegate some of his duties was a result of "deep reflection" as he has fought cancer.

Chavez said that if his physical capacities were diminished, "I would be the first in doing what the constitution says" in delegating functions to the vice president.

The 56-year-old's cancer diagnosis has thrown uncertainty into Venezuela's political landscape. Chavez, who has held dominant power during more than 12 years in office, has said he's confident he will rebound but has also admitted a long road to recovery remains.

Chavez underwent surgery in Cuba on June 20 to remove a cancerous tumor, which he has said was the size of a baseball. He has not specified where exactly it was located, saying only that it was in his pelvic region, nor what type of cancer he was diagnosed with.

Chavez announced his decision shortly after the National Assembly approved his request to travel to Cuba. The unanimous vote followed a passionate debate in which opposition politicians said they supported the president's right to receive treatment but disputed his plan to remain in charge while in Havana. Opposition lawmakers also demanded more information about his illness.

As the debate was under way, Chavez appeared on television and dismissed opposition lawmakers' arguments as "bordering on ridiculousness."

"I will come back much better than I am right now," Chavez said in televised remarks.

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